Lately (within the past 2 months) a lot has changed for me; moving into my 1st place, a lot more responsibility. I don't know if this has had an affect on my skin (along with going back on my Birth Control, which I went back on b/c of my acne) but my skin; acne wise has gotten a lot worse and it seems that no matter what I use it doesn't seem to improve or help.
My problem area right now is mainly my chin, but I get acne around my nose and cheeks and few on my forehead.

Products I've tried:

Acne spot Treatment:
- Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
- Neutrogena on the spot treatment
- Clean & Clean Persa-Gel 10
- Clearasil Acne treatment ( this I can't seem to find anywhere and it's my tried and true always worked product)
- Neutrogena Rapid Gel 2 in 1 Fight and Fade Gel

Facial Cleansers:
- Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser
- Neutrogena Acne Wash Redness soothing gentle scrub
- Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress control 3 in 1 Hydrating acne treatment
- Neutrogena Deep clean long lasting shine control


Keep in mind these are products I have used and tried over a very long period of time. I also use Neutrogena Moisturizer which I have used for years and years for dry skin

I even took the Neutrogena SkinID test to get a personalized kit of products but haven't bought it


What would you all recommend

typical for me, over the counter drugstore products for acne never did anything...id suggest going to see a dermatologist

I stopped by Wal-mart on my way home and finally found the Clearasil acne spot treatment that has been the 1 thing that I can count one.
I picked up the AcneFree Sensitive skin care kit, which comes with Cleanser, Toner (which I've never used and don't understand it) and the spot treatment. I just tried it out, and my face burns :/

My fiance has prescription acne treatment from his derm.

Are you SURE it's acne and not an allergic reaction to something? If so, what sort of acne is it? Deep cysts? Small pimples? Do they have a head? Do they last long?

I have struggled with acne for a number of years but I have calmed down for the last six months. It was since I reduced the amount of products I used. I now just cleanse with Eau Thermale cleansing gel and at night use their moisturising cream. Any big breakouts I use Vichy. I have noticed the difference since using Eau Thermale.

Originally Posted by e_nmn_m

Are you SURE it's acne and not an allergic reaction to something? If so, what sort of acne is it? Deep cysts? Small pimples? Do they have a head? Do they last long?

They are small pimples that are red and some of them get white heads and it's been like this since we moved into our apartment at the end of April I have never had acne issues until now and I even went back on my birth control and that didn't help

It sounds as though your skin is angry about something. Major life changes will do that..

You need to see a dermatologist.

I would stop the birth control. A derm can prescribe oral medication that is the hormone in birth control only (that's what I used).

I guess I'll have to look into seeing a derm. then. My fiance is on prescription acne medication to from his derm, so I might have to check out who he saw.

It just sucks going from never having any acne issues at all to constant issues. :/ but thanks you all for your help!!!!

If it makes you feel any better, it can go away as quickly as it comes.

This might be a little late: but yes, seeing a dermatologist - even your GP - is probably your best bet. But if you are breaking out around your chin and jawline primarily, it may suggest a hormonal issue - switching the current Pill your on if the cause isn't external, (to something like Diane 35) may help. Though if you've just got back on your current BP, do give it some time to work.

On topic: I've found using soap-free cleansers has worked wonders, along with gentle BHA exfoliant (Lactic Acid), using moisturiser, and the Clean & Clear 2% Acne treatment as needed. I found both the 10% Persa-Gel and generic 0.025% tretonin gel to be way too strong at this point in time. Maybe when I'm a little bit older... but unfortunately, a lot of this is all anecdotal and YMMV.

Good luck! Do remember, most of us go through acne at some point in life - and guaranteed, a professional - whether they be a GP, Derm, or even aesthetician can work wonders. Keep your chin up

The Clinique Acne solution products work well for me, here is a link:
http://www.clinique.com/product/1670...Kit/index.tmpl

Definitely see your dermatologist. I also recommend Mario Badescu products. They are awesome!

It sounds like my skin is a lot like yours! Recently I've been using La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel cleanser, and I've got to say I'm really loving both products

Originally Posted by Jeannam2008

Lately (within the past 2 months) a lot has changed for me; moving into my 1st place, a lot more responsibility. I don't know if this has had an affect on my skin (along with going back on my Birth Control, which I went back on b/c of my acne) but my skin; acne wise has gotten a lot worse and it seems that no matter what I use it doesn't seem to improve or help. My problem area right now is mainly my chin, but I get acne around my nose and cheeks and few on my forehead. Products I've tried: Acne spot Treatment: - Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment - Neutrogena on the spot treatment - Clean & Clean Persa-Gel 10 - Clearasil Acne treatment ( this I can't seem to find anywhere and it's my tried and true always worked product) - Neutrogena Rapid Gel 2 in 1 Fight and Fade Gel Facial Cleansers: - Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser - Neutrogena Acne Wash Redness soothing gentle scrub - Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress control 3 in 1 Hydrating acne treatment - Neutrogena Deep clean long lasting shine control Keep in mind these are products I have used and tried over a very long period of time. I also use Neutrogena Moisturizer which I have used for years and years for dry skin I even took the Neutrogena SkinID test to get a personalized kit of products but haven't bought it What would you all recommend

Hey girl

I had a similar problem to you. I was blessed with clear skin forever until I had an increase in life changes/stress/etc.

What you need to understand is that acne is a reflection of what is going on inside of you. Your gut. You more likely than not have some imbalances going on inside and until you "right" them, you will likely be unable to completely clear your skin. Stress and life changes can affect your immune system (which is primarily located in your intestines) and bring about a myriad of problems including skin problems. You need to fix your gut flora ("good" bacteria) and identify any possible food allergies and right any mineral/vitamin deficiency.

Let me explain. I speak from experience.

Dermatologists might say that "diet doesn't have anything to do with the condition of your skin."

Wrong. This has been proven otherwise now. The initial "study" that made this fallacy come about was poorly controlled with a very tiny population. I mean let's face it - a derm cannot sell you a healthy diet. They don't really gain anything from that. I'm not saying there's no place for prescription drugs - I would just really be cautious about diving into them before you try other methods.

I tried all sorts of prescription washes, topical treatments, birth control, etc when my skin went haywire. What did they do? Made my skin red and raw because even the small-dose stuff can be very harsh. BC made my hormones go out of whack (I even had to get my cervix cauterized TWICE due to the hormones in the BC pill. Yeah. They're bad news) Things weren't changing and I was frustrated.

So I smartened up. I went to a nutritionist and I sought out an acupuncturist. That was the first time I made the connection between food and skin. I also stopped the BC pill after 5ish years of being on it.

To make a long story short, I did an elimination diet. I cut out soy and dairy as well as gluten. To this day I am soy, dairy and gluten free. I also had some blood work done and I had a zinc deficiency (which can also lead to skin problems.) Along with the diet changes I also take Dr Ohhira's probiotic 12 plus (good for gut flora), fish oil (GREAT for skin), organic broken cell wall chlorella (detoxing and GREAT for skin), Carlson's Super 2 Daily vitamins (nutritional "insurance") and I take shots of Bragg's organic apple cider vinegar every day (alkalinizing and also amazing for skin). DO a google search on any of those things and you'll be able to read about so many people's great experiences with them for their skin.

My topical skin regimen is olay sensitive skin facial wash, Paula's Choice BHA liquid, cell food oxygen gel and/or organic aloe vera gel (as moisturizers) clinique emergency gel, tea tree or sea buckthorn oil (if i need it), and Aztec Secret clay mixed with apple cider vinegar as a weekly mask (magical, I swear by it). Nothing harsh - I avoid parabens, fragrances, alcohol, etc in all my skincare products and try to go organic/natural if I can.

And guess what, my skin has completely cleared. People comment on my beautiful skin, I go makeup less regularly, and they can't believe I even had a bout with bad skin. And mind you, I have very fair, burnable, scar-prone skin so that says ALOT.

If you fix what's going on with your insides you will not only fix your skin from the inside out but your immune system as well.

Feel free to ask me more questions. Also, check out these resources:

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Skin-Die...f=cm_lmf_tit_4 (LOVE THIS BOOK!)

http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Out-W...f=cm_lmf_tit_2

http://www.amazon.com/Digestive-Well...gestive+health

http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Tract-G...gestive+health

Paula's Choice "Clear" line of products works the best out of non-prescription products for me (now that I'm older and the problem is less severe):
http://www.paulaschoice.com/category...tment-products

Most drugstore products didn't help much and majorly irritated and dried my skin out on top of it all.

Back when I had to use a dermatologist (with no insurance) in my younger years, it costs thousands $$$ for all the creams, Accutane, laser surgery, etc...

I did discover through trial and error that my skin stays perfect without any treatments when my diet is pristine, but I realistically can't maintain that regimen very long ...NO sugar, NO milk, NO cheese, NO meat, NO soy, NO, beverages besides water, No processed food, NO gluten/wheat ...ONLY whole, UN-processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, water and ...well...not much else. You can see why that never lasts long, but I try.